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Equestrian Camping near Gilberts, IL

11 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Limited options for horse camping exist in the Gilberts, Illinois area as none of the nearby campgrounds feature dedicated horse corrals or equestrian facilities. Paul Wolff Campground in Elgin offers camping for families with both RV and tent sites, but does not specifically accommodate horses according to their features list. Trails within Burnidge Forest Preserve provide hiking opportunities but lack bridle paths for horseback riding. The campground maintains water and electric hookups at most RV sites, with 10 primitive tent sites divided between wooded and prairie locations.

    Horse owners looking to camp with their animals would need to travel further from Gilberts. Chain O' Lakes State Park has multiple camping areas with proximity to nature trails, though equestrian-specific amenities are not highlighted in their features. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort offers tent, RV, cabin and glamping options but similarly lacks horse facilities. Both Rock Cut State Park and Big Rock Forest Preserve provide camping options within reasonable driving distance of Gilberts, but neither specifically mentions accommodations for horses in their amenity lists. Campers report that maintenance of grounds is generally good at these locations, with clean facilities and helpful staff.

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    Best Equestrian Campgrounds near Gilberts (11)

    Filters    Tent onlyRVCabinGlampingPetsEquestrian

      1. Paul Wolff Campground

      3.9(21)3mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents

      "The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms."

      "Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables. We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies."

      from $12 - $35 / night

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      2. Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      4.0(79)36mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "Of all of the campgrounds that I have visited in Illinois, I would say that Rock Cut State Park is the best that I have seen. It boasts as being the largest State Park in Northern Illinois."

      "The park is very large(the largest in northern Illinois) and has multiple campgrounds. I stayed in the Prairie View campground. Trees all around, plenty of shade."

      from $12 - $50 / night

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      3. Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort

      4.3(8)18mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Very Friendly Staff I received warm welcome from nice staff at the entrance gate. Tent Campground is nicely tucked inside by the lake. Quit place night time I can hear fish jumping from the water."

      "We biked around the campground during the days and took advantage of the adult only hot tub hours at night. It was a nice getaway from Chicago."

      from $43 - $73 / night

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      4. Big Rock Campground

      3.8(19)26mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents

      "Clean, with large sites, about a 5 mile walk around the nearby lake- saw several deer and rabbits - T-Mobile worked just fine- no Wi-Fi"

      "Away from All the City Noise And Not Very Far Away Dump Station And Potable Water Supply"

      from $18 - $35 / night

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      5. Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      3.9(13)25mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61."

      "Trails were geared more towards horses and bikes, but there are plenty of walking paths, and we were able to find some hidden trails along the lake (read: unofficial)."

      6. Fox Den Campground — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      4.3(12)25mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents

      "We can both drive to work and then come back to relax. Close to some great places for antiquing if you don't want to hike the trails or fish."

      "There is a lot to do at this park from hiking to water sports to horse back riding. We did a nice short hike in area. We had a great time at this campground and would visit again."

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      7. Big Foot Beach State Park Campground

      3.6(24)32mi from Gilberts101 sitesRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Conveniently located next to Lake Geneva with a tiny roadside beach area. I recommend camping sites on the west side of the camping loop to cut down on sun. Not enough electric sites for campers."

      "We stayed at site 98- just barely big enough to fit our travel trailer in and right next to the showers and bathrooms. Not a great location, but fine."

      from $18 - $36 / night

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      8. Kishwaukee Valley Farms

      Be the first to review19mi from GilbertsTents, Glamping

      from $74 - $100 / night

      9. Elkhorn Campgrounds

      4.3(4)40mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Within walking distance to downtown Elkhorn, EAHS, and the horse areana. You might even be able to catch a show or two on site at the fair grounds, depending on the time of year."

      "Easy access to electric and/or water. If unsure, contact office. Site, restrooms, and showers were clean. There are a lot of sites but still felt like there was ample space."

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      10. Rock Cut Equestrian Campground

      4.0(1)36mi from GilbertsRVs, Tents

      "If your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a"

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    Equestrian Camping Reviews near Gilberts, IL

    184 Reviews of 11 Gilberts Campgrounds

    • Maria Mercedes M.The Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 1, 2026

      Rock Cut Equestrian Campground

      A Peaceful Retreat for Horse-Loving Families

      If your family's perfect camping trip includes saddling up and exploring miles of wooded trails together, the Equestrian Campground at Rock Cut State Park offers a wonderfully peaceful place to spend a few days. Tucked away from the park's busier camping loops, this rustic first-come, first-served campground provides spacious sites designed for campers traveling with horses, along with nearby potable water, restrooms and direct access to more than 14 miles of designated equestrian trails. While amenities are intentionally simple (erring on non-existent), the extra room to accommodate horse trailers and the quiet natural surroundings create exactly the kind of setting many riders are looking for. One of my favorite moments was watching families quietly prepare their horses in the early morning light before disappearing beneath the trees for a day on the trails, returning later with tired horses, dusty boots and smiles that needed no explanation. Arriving early is the best way to secure a site since camping is first-come, first-served and availability is limited. This campground is ideal for equestrian families given its spacious layout, direct trail access and peaceful atmosphere that allows both riders and horses to truly unwind.

    • Brian O.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 17, 2024

      Turner Lake South — Chain O' Lakes State Park

      Fine camping in Northern Illinois

      We stayed in the Turner lake south loop, which has nice and private sites. This is in contrast to Honeysuckle hollow which is open and row after row of RV sites. Fox den and Prairie view loops are nice as well with mostly primitive sites. Be aware that the map on www.ExloreMoreIL,com(where you make your reservations) doesn't show where the restrooms are. In the Turner loop, the pit toilets are next to the path to the fishing pier, while the showers and full restrooms are between Turner and Fox den, there is a short path between sites 60& 61. Facilities are clean and well lit. Fire pits are slightly raised steel troughs with a heavy adjustable grill. This is a BIG park, the campgrounds are two miles from the front gate, and it's a drive to the main boat launch at Maple Grove, where you have access to the Fox River and Grass lake. This location has a huge parking lot for boat trailers, a very well stocked general store with fishing supplies, a cafe, boat rentals and good firewood. To get away from the crowd if you're a canoeist or kayaker it's nicer to leave the park and go back in at Oak Point picnic area and boat launch at the northern border. This will put you on the Fox river with developments to the north(including a bar& grill) or to the south which is all nature. I think the distance by boat between the two launches is 4-5 miles, but I'm not sure, Halfway there you'll meet up with the Goldfinch trail which is the shortest loop and the most diverse in term of flora. There are horse/ snowmobile trails, but no equestrian campground. Chain o' Lakes is one of the busiest waterways in Illinois, with motorboats everywhere in the height of the summer season. We canoe, and both times we stayed there it was October, so I can't tell you how crowded, but the vast number of picnic areas must be there for a reason. An odd thing is that you can hear a Steam Train whistle quite often, this is from Richardson's Adventure Farm in Spring Grove. We don't have kids so we went to Stade's Farm& Orchard(which is also large and kid friendly) because they have an orchard and vegetable market. One last thing, the gates close at 10:PM and there are tire shredders, you can leave but you can't get back in… unless you want to walk 2+ miles in the dark:)

    • Matt S.
      Sep. 11, 2016

      Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      Rock Cut State Park campground is huge!

      Of all of the campgrounds that I have visited in Illinois, I would say that Rock Cut State Park is the best that I have seen. It boasts as being the largest State Park in Northern Illinois. It has a large lake with almost 40 miles of hiking trails, including equestrian trails and an equestrian campground. There is boating and fishing as well as swimming in the lake.

      The campground staff is very helpful and do a good job at keeping it clean and well maintained even with the large number of visitors. Don't miss my interview with Marsha, one of the friendly staff members at Rock Cut State Park.

    • J
      Jun. 8, 2021

      Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      Very nice campground

      Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it. The park is very large(the largest in northern Illinois) and has multiple campgrounds. I stayed in the Prairie View campground. Trees all around, plenty of shade. There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilets throughout the park. Sites have electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant or there is a dump station and water supply near the campground entrance. There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails. You can swim in the lake at the east end of the park. Paddle boats, canoes and kayaks for rent as well as two boat ramps on the big lake in the middle of the park. The Plum Grove campground is more open between sites and sites are closer. Staghorn, White Oak, and Prairie View are father apart and have more under growth between sites. Hickory hills campgrounds is all tent sites and most are on the lake. Also there are AOA sites.

    • Judy B.The Dyrt Pro User
      May. 21, 2021

      Rock Cut State Park - Staghorn Campground

      Big park with lots of options for camping and recreation

      Rock Cut St. Park is in the middle of an urban area, but you would not know it.  The park is very large and has multiple campgrounds.  I stayed in the Plum Grove campground.  Trees were not really leafed out and some sites would have shade later in the year.  Site along the edge of the campground had ample shade.  There is a central bathhouse with flush toilets and 3 showers. There is also a pit toilet.  Sites have an electrical hookup, but water is from a hydrant.  There is a dump station and water supply near the park entrance.  There are bike trails, hiking, and equestrian trails.  I also believe that you can swim and boat here.

    • Marisa A.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 16, 2020

      Paul Wolff Campground

      Great value Chicago suburb campsite

      I've camped here four different occasions this 2020 covid-19 year. The staff are super nice and the campground has great social distancing rules in place for the check-in shack and bathrooms. It is a super clean campground with multiple hosts and forest preserve staff. There are a large number of RV pads overlooking the prairie and a few along a grove of trees. I was lucky once to see the equestrian area full of campers with their horses. There are 9 walk-in tent sites about 10-20 yards from parking (the two at the end p7 and p9 are connected for groups that know each other). There are multiple ada sites and two "walk-in/ie roll-in" site in the tent-only area. It's a good mix of young people, retired people, and families. I've seen weekends with mainly RVs and one weekend with a quarter of the drive-in sites being tents. The most shaded sites are p1,3,5,7 and 9. Many of the sites in the middle are wide open with little shade but nice summer breezes. Prices are a great deal if you live in Kane county but still worth the trip if you live in another county. Firewood is $7 for about .75 cu ft (what you can fit in a milk crate.) There are a few trails and I've seen lots of butterflies, gold finches, hawks, deer, flocks of giant sandhill cranes, rabbits, ground squirrels, and of course actual squirrels. Lots of people (including me) bring their leashed dogs. The other campers have been polite and friendly. I wish there was more distance between sites in the water/electrical loops for more privacy, but I'd go every weekend if I lived in Kane county because it would be worth the resident price even tho there are so many RVs. Because there is electrical it is a peaceful campground with no generator noise.

    • M
      Jun. 2, 2021

      Paul Wolff Campground

      Not for #vanlife

      Full hook ups and electric sites plus some restricted Equestrian and walk in sites
      Not for #vanlife. I tried to pay for a tent site and was told “you’re not supposed to sleep in your car” “this campground is for RV’s only”

    • Jeff G.
      May. 21, 2019

      Big Rock Campground

      Wide open with very young trees

      Grass camping. The spaces are pretty level. The trees will be terrific in about 20 years. There is nothing much to do here, or nearby. It’s clean and the comfort stations are new. There is electric at the sites and water spigots throughout, although not really at each space. I saw where some campers hooked about 150’ of hose to spigots behind the loops to run to their campers. The dump station is good. It’s expensive, for what is there, if you are not a Kane County resident. There appears to be some equestrian space and trails. Quiet.

    • Joel R.The Dyrt Pro User
      Oct. 23, 2018

      Big Rock Campground

      No shade, no shower

      No Shade, and no showers. This is a relatively new campground not too far (about an hour drive) from Chicago. We looked at this place when we were looking for a spot to camp for a local wedding. But, no shade in the Illinois heat and no shower made it unacceptable. There were paved roads and the sites looked large and level. There was water and electric And a dump stations at the entrance/exit.

    Guide to Gilberts

    Camping options near Gilberts, Illinois reflect the area's characteristic prairie and wetland ecosystems. Located in Kane County with elevations around 850-900 feet, this region experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Winter camping is limited as most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with Paul Wolff Campground specifically open May 1 to October 31.

    What to do

    Hiking trails with wildlife viewing: Rock Cut State Park offers nearly 40 miles of hiking trails where visitors can spot diverse wildlife. "I've seen beavers, minks, ferrets, and sand cranes on my two trips so far," reports Cora M. about Turner Lake South.

    Kayaking and canoeing: Pierce Lake at Rock Cut State Park provides excellent paddling opportunities. "There is a boat launch with rentals and a bunch of hiking trails closer to the entrance," notes Art S. about Fox Den Campground.

    Fishing access: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities in stocked lakes. "The lake was very nice. We were able to kayak but be careful getting the kayaks in. Stairs down to the pier and the bottom of the lake is very mushy. The water was very clear and you could see the fish swim by," writes Julia B. about Turner Lake South.

    What campers like

    Natural privacy: Tent campers appreciate secluded sites at certain campgrounds. "The primitive camp sites were beautiful. Half of them were in the Prairie and the other half was tucked into wonderfully private spots with burn pits and picnic tables," says Tricia E. about Paul Wolff Campground.

    Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds offer affordable rates for basic camping experiences. "These campsites are as low as $12/night!! One of my favorite spots to test new gear. Family friendly," explains Addison G. about Turner Lake South.

    Accessible wildlife viewing: Campers enjoy spotting local animals without traveling far from camp. "We hiked the trail and saw a mother deer feeding her 2 babies. Hard to believe that there is hiking trails like those in such a densely populated area just outside elgin, il," notes a Paul Wolff Campground visitor.

    What you should know

    Limited shade at newer sites: Big Rock Campground is a developing facility with young trees. "This is a pretty new camp site, so the trees need some time to get big enough to provide some shade," explains David W. about Big Rock Forest Preserve.

    Water hookup distances: Some campgrounds have water sources positioned far from sites. "Water hookup is far behind camping pad - bring extensions!" advises Amanda K. about Big Rock Forest Preserve.

    Equestrian limitations: Despite the search for horse campgrounds near Gilberts, Illinois, none of the local campgrounds feature dedicated horse facilities. Rock Cut State Park has "equestrian trails and an equestrian campground," according to Matt S., making it one of the few options for horse camping within reasonable driving distance.

    Tips for camping with families

    Playground access: Some parks feature multiple play areas for children. "There are 5 shelters that have electricity, with water and restrooms nearby and each shelter available through a reservation system. Two of the shelters (Red Oak and Puri Crest) also have children's playgrounds nearby," explains Stuart K. about Rock Cut State Park.

    Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer swimming beaches or pools. "The beach is large enough and there are clean bathrooms right there," notes Chloe N. about Fish Lake Beach Camping Resort.

    Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with additional features. "There is so much to do at this campground. Horseback riding, archery, hiking, boating, fishing. There is also a park for the kids in several areas," says Meg K. about Turner Lake South.

    Tips from RVers

    Electrical considerations: Older campgrounds may have limited electrical capacity. "We have a 30 amp trailer. When we got there, the electricity wasn't working. It was 93° on a Saturday... Told us that the park was just so old that it probably couldn't keep up and moved us to a 50 amp site," warns Rebecca C. about Rock Cut State Park.

    Site privacy varies: RV sites offer different levels of seclusion. "Fox Den is superior to Honeysuckle Hollows because each site has an individual electric post... Fox Den also has more space between sites, more level pads and each site is tucked away with trees," explains Debra M. about Fox Den Campground.

    Full hookup availability: Reserve well ahead for complete services. "The only big minus is the full hookups fill up fast no spur of the moment camping unless it is early or late in the season," advises Jeanne M. about Fox Den Campground.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Gilberts, IL?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Gilberts, IL is Paul Wolff Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 21 reviews.

    What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Gilberts, IL?

    TheDyrt.com has all 11 equestrian camping locations near Gilberts, IL, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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